I am so hyped right now. Star Ruler is actually my favorite Sci-fi RPG of all time and I have played a lot of them. Indeed I have signed up on maybe 3 other game forums despite having played at least 200 games over the past 10 years.

I really hope a few things though. Keep the modability is the MOST important part. By far. I also hope you keep or improve the ship designing and expand the almost exponential nature of technology. Though I always thought it was weird how Command modules were one of the few things that didn't improve that way. As logically they are the most capable of doing it.

I also have an idea to help curb the 'expand or die' crutch of gameplay. Breeding programs. Where no breeding program provides an immediate benefit on a planet of being better at everything. You can make breeding programs to encourage traits such as being good at research or manufacturing. That will, each x amount of time, provide a large bonus to what they are being bred towards and a very small detriment to everything else.

Technology could even impact breeding programs. It could be in the social portion. Maybe you guys have already thought of a way to help with the 'expand or die' part of gameplay though. Looking forwards to SR2! Will definitely be getting early access when it is available.

Can't wait! Will pre-purchase if able to do so. I was reading about astronomers discovering some Earth-like exoplanets today and thought, "If I play Star Ruler, I can conquer them and turn them into giant, hellish strip mines..." I go to re-download and, to my surprise and delight, I see they are making a second one! Excellent!